Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Jun 10

Lacey Turner Joins 2026 Strictly as First Confirmed Celebrity Before September Launch

Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Jun 10

Lacey Turner Joins 2026 Strictly as First Confirmed Celebrity Before September Launch

Q: As Johannes Radebe becomes a host, what is the secret 'plan' allowing him to still compete on the dance floor?

Johannes Radebe has said the “plan” is that he will still dance on Strictly despite becoming a presenter, but the exact arrangement has not been publicly disclosed. What is clear from the BBC’s announcement and follow-up reporting is that Radebe is staying within the show in a dual capacity. He is part of the new presenting line-up with Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, and he has also reassured fans he is “not hanging up my dancing shoes yet,” saying they will still “see JoJo” on the dance floor. The most likely explanation, based on the available reporting, is that his hosting job has been designed to leave room for performance appearances rather than a full traditional pro-partner role. His presenter brief has been described as a more flexible, behind-the-scenes or “roving reporter” position, which would make it easier for him to take part in professional group numbers and selected routines. So the “secret plan” is not a separate hidden scheme so much as a dual-role setup: Radebe will host and still dance, probably through pro performances rather than the full weekly commitment of training a celebrity partner. Until the BBC confirms the format, that remains the strongest reading of what he has teased.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 10

Lacey Turner has been named the first celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, with the BBC unveiling its first booking months before the series starts in September.
The announcement came earlier than usual—the BBC typically confirms the full line-up in August—and the broadcaster said more contestants will be revealed throughout the summer.
Turner, 37, said she was a huge fan of the show and was excited to learn a new skill after years of being best known as EastEnders character Stacey Slater.
The autumn series will be fronted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left, while all four judges return.
Strictly is also reshaping its professional roster, with Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer and Michelle Tsiakkas departing and regulars including Amy Dowden and Vito Coppola returning.